Nancy Bolt Public Library Association National Conference March 2010 Portland, Oregon

1. Be a better you: Advancing your career through certificationAmerican Library Association and ALA-Allied Professional Association Certification Programs Nancy Bolt Public Library Association National Conference March 2010 Portland, Oregon

2. Certification Defined Certification attests to the possession by an individual of a specified body of knowledge and/or skills. Certification can occur at entry level, as part of career development, or as recognition of career achievement. It may be voluntary or mandatory.

3. State Certifications 22 states have certifications: • some require public library certification by law • Some have fees • All have different renewal durations (2-5 yrs) • Some states provide different certifications by grade level • Some states require certification for library directors, others are strongly encouraged • Some require certification to practice librarianship

4. Certified Public Library Administrator® Program

5. CPLA – Why apply? My career goals are to continually improve my skills and knowledge in order to improve and streamline existing library services and to manage library personnel as a leader. – Debra Czarnik (Cape Coral, FL)

6. CPLA Competencies Core standards • Budget and Finance • Management of Technology • Organization and Personnel Administration • Planning and Management of Buildings Elective standards • Current Issues • Fundraising • Marketing • Politics and Networking • Service to Diverse Populations

7. Management of Technology • The candidate is expected to: • Determine the technology requirements of the library. • Determine how well the technology meets the needs of the library. • Recommend technologies for the library. • Make purchasing decisions related to technology.

8. CPLA Candidates – Who are they? • 134 Public librarians in the US • 9 years of supervisory experience • Graduates of more than 40 library schools • Directors, managers and managers-to-be • Excited about CPLA courses! There are 18 graduates already! Program began in 2006

9. CPLA Providers – Who are they? • University of North Texas LE@D • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign • Public Library Association (PLA)

10. Eligibility • MLIS from an ALA accredited Library School • Three years experience in a public library • Management or supervisory experience

11. CPLA Process for Applicants • Complete the application at http://www.ala-apa.org/certification/cpla.html • Submit the fee of $250 for ALA members • Once approved (reviews are quarterly), enroll in courses - http://www.ala-apa.org/certification/cplacourses.html • Submit course evaluations with fee of $45 per competency for ALA members • Complete four core and three electives within 5 years • Enjoy the CPLA designation!

12. CPLA® – More information? Website; http://www.ala-apa.org/certification/cpla.html Jenifer Grady jgrady@ala.org 312-280-2424 800-545-2433, x2424 12

13. Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) Program Sponsored by the American Library Association and the ALA-Allied Professional Association, In cooperation with the Western Council of State Libraries Funded by IMLS

14. Why Is Certification Needed? 69% of all library staff are library support staff In a national survey LSS said they * supported national certification (87%) supported national LSS standards (76%) believe certification would improve public service (66%) *Survey conducted by the ALA Library Support Staff Interests Round Table (LSSIRT) in 2004 14

15. Why LSS Are Interested From November 2008 LSS survey: Recognition for experience, education, and/or skills Learn new things about the library field Provide better service to library users Contribute to improvement of the library 15

16. Program Approved! July 13, 2009 by ALA Executive Board Also by PLA, five other ALA divisions and LSSIRT Program Began! January 25, 2010 16

17. LSSC Features: Affordable and accessible A mix of required and elective competencies Establishes national, basic standards Evaluates prior learning and new learning Reciprocal at state level(if approved by state) A valid assessment of competencies Not a guarantee of raise or promotion 17

18. Competency Sets Required Foundations of Library Service Communication and Teamwork Technology Electives Access Services Adult Readers’ Advisory Services Cataloging and Classification Collection Management Reference and Information Services Supervision and Management Youth Services 18

19. Technology Competencies Library Support Staff will know: 1. General trends and developments of appropriate technology in all library functions and services whether offered in the library or through remote access. 2. Technology’s role in creating, retrieving and delivering library resources, function and services. 3. The role and responsibility of libraries for introducing relevant applications of technology to the public, including assistive technology. 4. Basic computer operations needed to access library applications software and productivity tools. 5. Basic networking technologies and protocols. 6. Basic data security principles and best practices to ensure the integrity of data and the confidentiality of user activities. 7. Concepts and issues concerning the appropriate use of technology by different user groups

20. Technology (Cont’d) Library Support Staff will be able to: 8. Adapt to changes in technology. 9. Transfer information gained from training into the work place. 10 Assist and train users to operate public equipment, connect to the internet, utilize library software applications and access library services from remote locations. 11. Use information discovery tools including the library’s catalog, core library databases and internet search engines. 12 Perform basic troubleshooting of technical problems and resolve or appropriately refer those problems. 13. Access and use basic assistive technologies, where appropriate, to ensure that all users have equitable access to technology.

21. AssessmentMethodology Recognize prior learning and new learning Two methods: Approved courses Portfolios (evaluated by experts) 21

22. Courses • Offered by • ALCTS • Fresno State University • Palomar • Louisiana State Library • Highline Community College • Lincoln Trail Library System • UW Madison

23. Portfolio Development Suggestions Suggested activities for demonstrating each competency (you can design your own) Upload to portfolio when done 23

24. Portfolio Development Suggestions Competency 5. Basic networking technologies and protocols. Suggested Activities: 5.1 Describe the purpose and use for each of the following connection types: phone, ethernet, serial, parallel printer, USB, cable and fireware. Identify which of these technologies or protocols are present in the library in which you work, or a library with which you are familiar, and how they are used in that library. 5.2 Create a guide or tutorial for library users to explain how to connect to a library’s wireless network. Include definitions for terms associated with wireless networking.

25. Policies and Procedures High school diploma or equivalent One year of library experience, from any type of library Four years to complete 6 competency sets Fee of $325 for ALA members (includes subscription to online portfolio) Certification is for four years Renewal will be required 25

26. Benefits of Certification Maryland & Minnesota Surveys • Managers and LSS report library users are better served by staff with certification. • LSS believe they understand library service better. • LSS report more confidence serving users. • Managers report that LSS contribute more to operations & success.

27. Library Managers Can Help! Encourage staff to participate Provide financial assistance Grant time off to complete coursework/portfolios Allow interaction with staff for assignments Recognize accomplishments Give candidates increased responsibility 27

28. LSSC – More Information? Website; http://www.ala-apa.org/lssc lssc@ala.org Karen Strege kstrege@msn.com 206 829 8821 206 407 9756 (cell) Nancy Bolt nancybolt@earthlink.net 303 642 0338 303 905 9347 (cell) 28